A study found that the proposed Bowers Wind project would be visible from several scenic water bodies and have an adverse impact on camp owners sportsmen and other visitors to the remote area.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ A proposed $100 million wind farm in the Downeast Lakes region has suffered a serious setback after the Maine Board of Environmental Protection took a preliminary vote to reject the project.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the action Thursday on the Bowers Wind project, proposed by a subsidiary of First Wind, sets the stage for a vote next month in which the state would formally reject plans for a major wind energy project for the first time.

The board meets again June 5.

A study of the proposal found it would be visible from several scenic water bodies and have an adverse impact on camp owners, sportsmen and other visitors to the remote area.

First Wind said it was disappointed and would consider appealing to Maine's Supreme Judicial Court.